REAL ESTATE

First-Time Homeowner Mistakes

Amanda Oboza

When you own a home, repairs and improvements are inevitable, but keep in mind not every job is DIY. Before you head to the home improvement store, check out these common first-time homeowner mistakes.

Using Bleach for Everything

Bleach is a heavily corrosive material that can eat through sealant on stone surfaces like granite. It can discolor laminate and colored grout, fade enamel and acrylic tubs, and corrode seals within your disposal. It is the often the “go-to” for removing mold, and while it may be successful in some areas, it can actually feed mold growth on absorbent and porous materials, such as grout.

Good ole’ water and vinegar are really all you need for most household cleaning jobs. However, heftier mold or mildew issues, may require a commercial anti-fungal product.

Improper Caulking

Caulking seems like an easy enough job, but there are a million different products out there and choosing the right caulk is critical. The final choice depends on the project. Is it interior or exterior? Does it involve concrete, gutters, roof, moulding, windows, plumbing, etc.?

Dan Bacon and Rob Kaercher, co-owners of Absolute Environmental Solutions, say it’s not only about choosing the right type of caulk, but knowing exactly where to caulk.

“When we inspect a home, we frequently see caulking in places where it shouldn’t be,” said Bacon. “Most often we see homeowners who have good intentions of sealing up their windows, but they caulk all the way around, and that can actually create more problems.”

The team says you especially don’t want to caulk around the window header or under the window sill because there will be no place for moisture to escape, and that can lead to wood rot and/or potential mold issues.

Planting Too Close to Your Home

Bacon and Kaercher say in almost every inspection, they run into at least one example of vegetation that is too close to the home.

“We recommend that smaller shrubs and bushes are trimmed back at least one foot from the property,” said Kaercher. “If you’re planting a larger tree you need to consider its maximum size. While it may seem small at first, in 5-10 years you could have branches hanging over your roof and power lines, or roots causing foundation problems.”

The Arbor Day Foundation says that even a small tree reaching less than 30 feet tall needs at least 6 feet of clearance from any exterior wall.

In addition to shrubs and trees, homeowners also need to be cautious when it comes to climbing vines, such as ivy. Tony Blundy, owner of Blundy Home Inspections, says while it can look picturesque, ivy can actually cause a lot of damage.

“Ivy has aerial roots that can penetrate the tiniest cracks in your home’s exterior, which can widen gaps and allow moisture to enter the wall,” he said. “Ivy and other vines can also harbor all sorts of insects and pests and give them easy access into the home.”

Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner from the local home improvement store sounds a lot cheaper than paying a plumber, but it may not be the best choice.

 The most common ingredients in these solutions are hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, which can erode pipes. Using baking-soda-and-vinegar can even cause harm. The reaction causes a build up of pressure that can crack the pipes.

Not Doing the Research

In general, Blundy says a lot of mistakes happen when homeowners take on projects without having the proper knowledge.

“Everyone wants to save money, so it’s understandable that homeowners try to take care of projects and repairs on their own,” he said. “However, if these jobs are not done properly it could really end up costing more in the long run, so I suggest consulting with a professional before moving forward.”

Bacon and Kaercher agree and say they see a lot of projects started and not completed because homeowners bit off more than they could chew.

“If you are taking on a DIY project, make sure you do your research and really plan everything out,” said Bacon. “It’s also a good idea to call the city and see if a permit is required. A lot of projects won’t require one, but it doesn’t hurt to call and make sure you are doing everything properly.”

Visit the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® Facebook and Pinterest page for more home maintenance ideas.